This exhilarating and awe-inspiring activity enables you to soak up parts of Sri Lanka little visited and gets you away from the tourist trail.

Full training and safety briefings are given and beginners with a sense of adventure are welcomed. The trip is normally limited to an age of 12+, although younger are considered if they have above-average strength and fitness for their age.

Your first day begins at base camp in Kitulgala, on the Kelani River, where you are taught how to read the river and educated in safety and paddling techniques.

Stay here for one night, before rising early to head to the Mahaweli River to begin your trip. On Day 3, you will meander gently through Wasgamuwa national park, paddling through a natural wilderness to the chirrup of bird life and excited chatter of monkeys. When dusk falls, sit by a camp fire and savour dinner under the stars.

The final day of an activity which can be the centrepiece of your Sri Lanka holiday ends in the heart of the cultural triangle near the ruined city of Polonnaruwa.